Imagination and reality, memories and magic all come together in an incredible place called The Car Barn. A journey back in time begins from the moment the building comes into view. Reminiscent of a vintage gas station, the design hints at far more. And more there is.
The Car Barn possesses charm inside and out, a credit to Bill Worley who helped in the design and then constructed the building in 2003. As impressive as it is on first view, even Worley says that walking in is like “entering the gates of The Magic Kingdom for the first time.” The rustic materials used on the exterior and interior walls create the first impression of days gone by, and the authentic Gulf Oil signs and equipment enhance the feel of yesteryear. The mix of reality and illusion continues inside. Seated at the player piano across from the entrance is a wizened-faced mannequin, dressed as an old-time sheriff, what Tony Stewart calls the “security” for The Car Barn. Tony is a very real part of this facility and its incredible contents. As field manager for this private collection and other properties, his responsibilities allow him to enjoy the passion he has for cars, including being able to drive them. “I get to do things in this job that I never would otherwise,” Tony admits.
Just a few steps past an antique switchboard, an interior space opens up to a dazzling collection of vehicles of all descriptions. A McCormic Farmall tractor stands stoically behind an authentic fire engine. Outside is the UTC-themed train trolley, often used in parades and at home football games. It, along with the fire engine, helps in the delivery of over 100 Christmas bags to needy families each year.
Beyond the truck bed where replicas of the Blues Brothers recline, sits a classic ‘57 Chevy convertible. Like other acquisitions, it found its way here because it is classic, reminiscent of another time, or a link to personal history. While restoration is not done on site, caretaking for the collection also falls to Tony who uses only one word to describe his job: “Neat!” The car collection also includes a 427 Cobra, a 1957 Thunderbird hardtop convertible, a 1936 Lincoln Zephyr V-12, a 1986 Ferrari, and a charming red Crosley pick-up truck from the ‘40s.
The current location is the third Car Barn; the first two were literally barns for storage and maintenance and could not hold the growing collection. While it is called a car barn, it holds much more than cars. A full-size chuck wagon occupies a rather large space, just past the five Harley Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycles, and it doesn’t take a biker to realize that these gleaming machines are something special.
Much like being in a museum, the sensory overload is startling. It is only after your eyes can move away from the objects that occupy the floor space that you realize you’re standing in the midst of a city. Through the artistry of Kathy Makerios, the business facades come to life, transporting you to places that existed in1930s Chattanooga, like The Dixie movie theatre and Reuben’s, as well as places of interest such as the Harley Davidson Cafe from Las Vegas. The doors to the murals are real and open to reveal customers at TD’s Restaurant and clients at The Grande Salon. Those who occupy the seats in these business establishments or whose figures stand behind the doors are faces which represent actual citizens, proprietors, and friends.
Originally, the plan for the second floor was strictly storage, but now the stairs lead to what could be described as a one-of-a-kind meeting place. The walls on this level reveal a different kind of collection as the autographed jerseys and shirts of sports heroes such as Franco Harris, Mark McGwire, Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Mike Ditka come into view. At one end of the space sits a large boardroom table where business meetings are conducted, non-profit groups like Blood Assurance and the March of Dimes convene, and UTC’s football coaches come to create their game plan.
Every year Rick Honeycutt, Chattanooga native and Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach, hosts the Rick Honeycutt Youth Benefit Golf Tournament. Over the years and still today, legendary sports celebrities such as Brooks Robinson, Harmon Killebrew, Tug McGraw, Jim McMahan, Jim “Mudcat” Grant, Tom Paciorek and ChiChi Rodriguez, to name a few, have come for the tournament and have met at the Car Barn to visit and reminisce.
Autographed baseballs and a collection of books reside in a large glass-door bookcase. Near there sit Zach Johnson’s golf bag and a pair of Sugar Ray Leonard’s boxing gloves, autographed. Two inlaid wood poker tables occupy the space opposite the massive bar, and just beyond is a beautiful stone fireplace, surrounded by comfortable leather couches and chairs. Parked along the overhead beams is a miniature car collection, and on the ceiling rest reminders of magician Kevin Dawson’s card tricks.
While the collection of sports memorabilia and vehicles is amazing, what makes The Car Barn so special is a true sense of appreciation for the meaning behind each object – the story, the history, and the person. In equal measure is a sense of joy in sharing this special place with and for others – family and friends, as well as community, churches, charities, and businesses.